45 entries for Paddy Power Gold Cup: John's Spirit set for repeat bid
Last Updated: 29/10/14 2:40pm
John's Spirit heads 45 entries for the Paddy Power Gold Cup as he bids to become the sixth horse to win the race twice.
Jonjo O'Neill's charge beat Colour Squadron in the race last year and, just as he had then, may bid for a repeat on the back of a return success at The Showcase meeting in October.
He could renew rivalries with last year's runner-up as well as Persian Snow, who is also trained by Philip Hobbs and ran second to John's Spirit last time.
Astracad heads the entries as one of two representatives from the yard of Nigel Twiston-Davies along with Double Ross, while Willie Mullins makes things interesting with Champagne Fever, Felix Yonger and Ballycasey all potential runners as well as The Paparazzi Kid.
John's Spirit's stable companion Taquin Du Seuil - who is engaged in Saturday's bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby - also appears in the entries as do Oscar Whisky, Rajdhani Express, Hunt Ball, Ericht and Bear's Affair for Nicky Henderson, whose Simonsig does not feature.
Paul Nicholls relies on Wonderful Charm, Mr Mole, Caid Du Berlais, Fago and Rolling Aces, Uxizandre may bid to build on an encouraging return for Alan King while the talented Ballynagour heads David Pipe's team.
Vale Of Glamorgan-based Evan Williams is keen for Buywise to head to Cheltenham once again but is facing a fitness battle with his stable star following his return run over hurdles. He explained: "I will see how things pan out and Buywise will probably work again next Wednesday. We will see where we go from there.
"He might need another run beforehand if we go to Cheltenham and so I might be struggling for time. His run last time was badly needed.
"I'd love to go for the Paddy Power and that was the point of running him last week. It sort of backfired on us as he won but didn't have a hard enough race. I thought I was being clever running him over two miles but it just didn't stretch him enough.
"My first and foremost aim is to get him to the Paddy Power Gold Cup - he loves it round Cheltenham and that is where I want to be with him. But I just want to hang fire before fully committing him."